Former Administrative Assistant for Traverse City Area Public Schools Arrested for Alleged Embezzlement

Recently, Mary Leona Gillison, a 50-year-old Arcadia resident, was arrested for allegedly having embezzled more than $50,000 from the Traverse City Area Public School district. Gillison had been employed as an administrative assistant for the district, according to a news article at MI Headlines.

Gillison was arrested on December 18 after the school district performed a forensic audit, working in unison with Sheriff’s detectives. Detectives had obtained a warrant to arrest Gillison on charges of embezzling following the audit, which took several months to complete. An auditing firm for the school district reviewed procedures involving cash handling and purchase card use after Gillison resigned her position at West Middle School unexpectedly in March of this year.

Officials believe that Gillison used a district purchasing card to make “questionable” purchases, one of which was a personal item bought using the card by Gillison in December of last year. It appears that she resigned her position as administrative assistant once she suspected authorities were “on” to her scheme, although until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, she is innocent.

Gillison was charged with embezzling more than $1,000 but less than $20,000, according to a news article at Up North Live; her preliminary exam is scheduled for December 30.

In Michigan, individuals found guilty of embezzling money or property valued between $1,000 and $20,000 face fines of as much as $10,000 or three times the value of the property/money, whichever is greater, along with a maximum of five years in prison. In addition, the accused will have a permanent criminal record that will affect employment opportunities and other aspects of the individual’s life. The consequences of a conviction become more serious the greater the value of the money/property involved. In addition, those with a prior criminal conviction will face harsher or “enhanced” penalties.

If you have been arrested for embezzling or any white collar crime, or are under investigation, take action immediately to protect your legal rights, freedom, and future. Contact an experienced and aggressive Michigan criminal defense attorney now.